Bike we like: Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc

WHAT IS IT?

Founded in 1993, German firm Cube started as a one-man operation but has since grown to become one of the world’s biggest bike brands.

It's now sold in 34 countries and supplier to the Belgium-based Wanty-Groupe Gobert Pro Continental team.

Within Cube’s extensive road bikes portfolio, the Attain straddles the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Endurance’ categories – at the other end of the spectrum from their more race-oriented Litening.

This makes it an ideal choice for those of us who love long days in the saddle but don’t have the pipe-cleaner physique of a pro racer.

The geometry hints at a lively but stable ride. The mid-range size 56 having a neutral head angle of 72.5 degrees, seatpost angle of 73.5 degrees, and a long 1,009mm wheelbase and deep bottom bracket drop of 74mm.

The full Attain range comprises 10 bikes from a non-disc brake aluminium entry-level jobby up to four full-carbon ‘GTC’ models, with the GTC Pro you see here sitting second from top in the hierarchy.

The frame is built using Cube’s Advanced Twin Mold tech, to minimise the overlap between different parts of the monocoque frame during manufacture, ensuring no extra weight while retaining optimum stiffness and strength.

WHAT ABOUT THE COMPONENTS?

Launched last year, RS505 is the hydraulic disc brake iteration of Shimano’s 105 groupset.

If you’re used to the tall shape of the brake lever hoods on the higher-level R685/ R785 shifters, you may find that these feel very different – the bleed port’s been moved to a more accessible position, which gives the hoods a longer, lower, more square profile.

Shape aside, performance is barely distinguishable from the Ultegra-level R685, and the levers have adjustable reach to suit smaller hands.

Aside from the brakes, the rest of the set-up is full 105, right down to the chain and the 11-speed 11-32 rear cassette, which in combination with the 50/34 chainset should give you ample ratios to haul yourself up even the steepest hills.

WHAT ELSE CAN I FIND BOLTED TO THAT LOVELY LOOKING FRAME?

Yep, it sure is lovely looking? The mix of subdued grey with ‘flashgreen’ highlights make it a real head turner, while the internally routed cables give it a neat finish.

Finishing kit is all Cube’s in-house stuff – while fitting own-brand parts may be a cost-cutting measure, these are all good workmanlike alloy components.

Both front and rear Fulcrum Racing 77 Disc wheels use a 12mm Syntace X-12 bolt-thru axle, with 142mm spacing at the rear, all of which adds up to reliability, stiffness and ease of use.

And because Cube knows that ‘even hardened racers like to stay dry on long training rides in poor weather’ it's provided the Attain GTC Pro with mounts for full mudguards – so there’s no excuse for turning up at the café stop with a stripe of gunk up your back.

HOW MUCH WILL IT SET ME BACK?

Not so long ago, a full-carbon bike with 11-speed groupset and hydraulic disc brakes wouldn’t have given you much change out of £2,000, but the trickle down of technology to 105 level, as well as Cube’s own research and development for its high-end racing bikes, helps to keep the price of the Attain GTC Pro down to a very attractive £1,699.

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